Is your backyard pool more swampy than a sanctuary? If so, you’re not alone. Across North America, millions of pool owners wrestle with chemical imbalances, debris buildup, and failing equipment. Stepping into this sea of frustration is Puddle Pools, a fast-growing pool care franchise that’s redefining the industry.
Founded in 2018 by Vancouver pool-owner-turned-entrepreneur Mark Amery, Puddle Pools has rapidly expanded, operating in over 47 territories across the United States and Canada. With its trademark blue trucks, a low-overhead, home-based model, and proprietary technology combined with subscription billing, the brand offers a fresh, profitable approach to the multi-billion-dollar residential and commercial pool maintenance market.
For entrepreneurs seeking a service-based business that promises recurring revenue, outdoor work, and high customer satisfaction, Puddle Pools is making a serious splash. The franchise opportunity stands out for its affordable entry point, strong support system, and proven model—making it a magnet for investors looking to dive into a thriving sector.
The Backstory: From Frustrated Pool Owner to Industry Disruptor.
Mark Amery wasn’t searching for his next franchise opportunity when inspiration struck—he simply grew tired of unreliable pool service at his own home. Faced with late service calls, inconsistent quality, and confusing billing, the seasoned entrepreneur, who had previously scaled service brands, spotted a major gap in the market. Pool maintenance, he realized, was overdue for a technology-driven transformation.
Amery envisioned a company grounded in standardized operating procedures, transparent digital reporting, and a professional business culture—a far cry from the image of the “guy with a net and a pickup truck.” In 2018, he founded Puddle Pools, determined to raise industry standards.
Initial success with residential clients quickly expanded into partnerships with hotels, strata properties, and community centers. By 2022, just four years after launching, Amery introduced franchising opportunities. The response was immediate and enthusiastic: dozens of franchisees signed on, drawn by the low start-up costs, minimal inventory needs, and a recurring-revenue model that builds lifelong customer relationships.
In 2025, Puddle Pools partnered with Franchise FastLane to further supercharge its growth, signaling that this disruptive franchise brand still has plenty of momentum—and market share—left to capture.
Differentiators That Keep Water—and Cash—Flowing.
While many pool care services promise pristine results, few deliver the operational structure needed to transform one-time cleanings into predictable, recurring income. Puddle Pools rises above the competition with a franchise model designed for scalability, efficiency, and year-round profitability. Here’s what sets the brand apart:
- Home-Based Headquarters: Franchisees operate from a garage or small storage unit, eliminating the need for costly retail space and keeping overhead expenses low.
- Proprietary CRM System: Puddle Pools offers a custom-built scheduling and invoicing platform that automates route planning, chemical tracking, and customer communication—with real-time updates visible to clients.
- Subscription Billing Model: Instead of relying on emergency service calls, technicians visit on a recurring schedule, charging flat monthly fees that create stable, predictable cash flow.
- Comprehensive Service Menu: Franchisees service not just pools, but also hot tubs, spas, and decorative fountains for both residential and commercial clients. Services include water testing, chemical balancing, wall scrubbing, pump checks, and seasonal maintenance.
- Puddle University Training: New franchise owners and their teams attend multi-day training sessions covering water chemistry, equipment repairs, customer service excellence, and route economics to ensure top-tier service delivery.
- 24/7 Call Center and Digital Marketing Support: Puddle Pools’ support team handles after-hours calls, appointment bookings, and geo-targeted marketing campaigns, freeing up franchise owners to focus on providing high-quality service.
- Low Equipment Costs: Startup kits are lightweight and efficient, including skimmers, test strips, vacuums, and commercial-grade chemicals—all easily transported in a standard wrapped van, no heavy machinery required.
Together, these advantages transform what was once a seasonal side hustle into a professionally managed, year-round business opportunity.
Dive Into the Dollars: What It Takes to Launch a Puddle Pools Franchise.
How much does it actually cost to open a territory? The first table below details the typical cash layout based on the brand’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $49,500* |
| Your Training Expenses | $1,500* – $2,500* |
| Initial Marketing Launch | $10,000* – $15,000* |
| Initial Inventory of Tools, Equipment & Chemicals | $7,500* – $9,000* |
| Business Licenses & Permits | $1,000* – $2,500* |
| Computer System | $1,000* – $3,000* |
| CRM Setup | $1,000* – $2,000* |
| Vehicle Lease | $1,800* – $5,100* |
| Vehicle Wrap | $5,000* – $7,000* |
| Professional Fees | $2,000* – $4,000* |
| Uniforms, Business Cards & Physical Marketing Materials | $2,000* – $3,000* |
| Insurance | $800* – $1,200* |
| Operating Expenses / Additional Funds – 3 Months | $12,000* – $15,000* |
| Total Estimated Investment | $95,100 – $118,800** |
Data is based on the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Fees, costs, and figures are estimates and may vary based on location and other factors.
For context, the franchise fee alone is $49,500*, placing the total initial outlay well under many home-service competitors—especially those requiring brick-and-mortar shops or heavy machinery.
Support Systems That Keep Franchisees Afloat.
Numbers explain the entry point, but sustainable success hinges on ongoing assistance. This second table summarizes the infrastructure that the company supplies from day one.
| Support Feature | Benefit to Franchisees |
| Puddle University Training | Hands-on water chemistry, equipment use, sales, and software mastery |
| Proprietary CRM | Automated scheduling, invoicing, route optimization, real-time reporting |
| 24/7 Call Center | Books leads, dispatches emergencies, maintains professional image |
| Digital Marketing Suite | SEO, pay-per-click, and social ads managed by in-house experts |
| Franchise Business Coach | Ongoing KPI reviews, goal-setting, and troubleshooting |
| Bulk Chemical Purchasing | Preferred pricing improves margins |
| Seasonal Playbooks | Launch guides for spring openings, winterizations, and upsell campaigns |
| National Brand Standards | Uniforms, vehicle wraps, and marketing collateral build trust |
Data is based on the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Fees, costs, and figures are estimates and may vary based on location and other factors.
These tools create a moat around each territory, giving local owners the freedom to focus on team leadership and community relationships rather than reinventing marketing or admin wheels.
A Day in the Life: Chlorine, Clients, and Community.
Curious what your schedule might resemble? Imagine the following snapshot:
6:45 a.m. – Review today’s optimized route on the CRM app while sipping coffee at home.
7:30 a.m. – Load pre-packed chemical bins into a wrapped van leased under the business name.
8:00 a.m. – Arrive at the first residential pool for weekly service: skim surface, vacuum floor, backwash filter, and balance pH.
9:15 a.m. – The homeowner signs off on the digital service report; photos and chemical readings post automatically to their client portal.
10:00 a.m. – Meet a hotel manager to quote a seasonal contract for a rooftop spa, leveraging the brand’s commercial credentials.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch break while the call center books two new leads generated by yesterday’s Facebook ad.
1:00 p.m. – Perform a quick hot-tub drain and refill at a condo complex.
3:30 p.m. – Wrap up final stop; push end-of-day summary to franchise coach.
4:00 p.m. – Head home, prepare for an evening softball league sponsored under the business logo—a subtle local-marketing touch.
Thanks to cloud-based automation, paperwork is nearly nonexistent, and evenings stay blissfully free of invoice headaches.
Target Markets: Who Books a Puddle Pools Subscription?
Puddle Pools taps into a wide array of customer segments, each with unique needs but a common desire: worry-free water care. By serving both residential and commercial clients, the brand helps franchisees generate consistent income and reduce seasonal slowdowns. Key target markets include:
- Busy Families: Dual-income households that would rather spend time making memories than skimming leaves or balancing chemicals.
- Vacation Rental Hosts: Airbnb and VRBO owners who rely on five-star cleanliness ratings to keep bookings high and complaints low.
- Hospitality Venues: Hotels and resorts that must maintain pristine pools to meet strict health codes and guest expectations.
- Property Managers: HOAs and apartment complexes looking for dependable, large-scale service with a single point of contact.
- Senior Homeowners: Aging residents who prioritize safety and code compliance—without the burden of handling chlorine buckets.
By reaching these diverse verticals, Puddle Pools helps franchisees flatten revenue curves and thrive year-round, regardless of season.
Innovation Under the Surface: Technology as a Lifeguard.
At Puddle Pools, technology is more than a tool—it’s a competitive advantage. The brand’s tech stack empowers franchisees, enhances transparency, and drives profitability. Key innovations include:
Real-Time Chemical Tracking: A mobile app logs precise chemical readings (chlorine, pH, alkalinity) before and after each service. Customers can view this data instantly, building trust through transparency.
GPS-Timed Routes: Every technician’s arrival and departure are automatically timestamped via GPS, eliminating no-shows and improving route planning.
Automated Upsell Alerts: When filter pressure exceeds thresholds, the system sends a real-time alert, allowing franchisees to quote repairs proactively—converting maintenance into margin.
In a traditionally low-tech industry, Puddle Pools uses smart automation to turn water care into a modern, data-driven service.
Puddle Pools Franchise Culture & Core Values: Professionalism With a Splash of Fun.
Culture is the cornerstone of Puddle Pools’ success. The company’s DNA blends professionalism with playful energy, rooted in three founding values:
Transparency: Clients receive digital before/after photos and detailed chemical logs, removing the guesswork from pool maintenance.
Excellence: Every technician adheres to standardized service checklists, and franchise coaches enforce key performance metrics (KPIs).
Community Engagement: Local franchisees often host free pool safety days or sponsor youth swim teams, deepening local connections and boosting brand goodwill.
This strong value system creates trust with clients and fosters loyalty among staff—a key advantage in an industry known for high seasonal turnover.
Growth Trajectory: Riding a Wave, Not a Ripple.
Puddle Pools has enjoyed an impressive growth story—and it’s just getting started.
- 2018 – Launched in Vancouver, Canada by founder Mark Amery.
- 2022 – Franchise model expanded across North America.
- 2025 – Partnered with Franchise FastLane to accelerate growth.
- Today, Over 47 active territories are expanding fast.
With rising demand for backyard renovations, aging homeowners seeking low-effort solutions, and a booming vacation rental market, the brand’s addressable market is vast. Puddle Pools aims to become North America’s top name in pool, spa, and water-feature care—and judging by its current momentum, it’s well on its way.
Frequently Asked Questions From Prospective Franchisees about the Puddle Pools Franchise.
Do I need prior pool-service experience?
No. Puddle University teaches water chemistry, equipment diagnostics, and customer care from scratch.
Is the business seasonal?
Demand peaks in summer, but hot-tub and indoor pool clients, plus winterizations, keep vans rolling year-round.
How many employees do I start with?
Many owners launch solo or with one technician, then scale to multiple vans as route density increases.
What territories are available?
Because franchising began in 2022, large portions of the U.S. and Canada remain open—including prime warm-weather states.
Potential Challenges—and Built-In Solutions.
| Challenge | Brand-Backed Solution |
| Recruiting Reliable Techs | Step-by-step hiring funnel and performance-bonus templates |
| Harsh Winters | Winterization packages and hot-tub maintenance revenue |
| Balancing Growth & Cash Flow | CRM dashboards forecast recurring revenue versus costs |
| Competition From Independent Operators | National branding, uniformed staff, transparent digital reporting |
By anticipating roadblocks, the franchisor shortens the learning curve for each new owner.
Making Your Splash: Next Steps Toward Ownership.
If you’ve been dreaming of running a business that gets you outdoors, leverages powerful technology, and builds loyal customer relationships, Puddle Pools could be your gateway to freedom and fulfillment. With start-up costs starting at just $95,100*, a streamlined launch system, and the support of Franchise FastLane, this franchise offers a turnkey opportunity to dive into a high-demand industry.
Whether you’re looking to escape the 9-to-5 or expand your service-based portfolio, the timing has never been better. Puddle Pools are growing fast, and territories are being claimed quickly.
🌊 Ready to make your splash?
Explore available franchise opportunities now:
Just fill out a short form to get matched with open territories and book a no-pressure discovery call with a franchise advisor.
Your transformation from poolside dreamer to professional pool-care business owner could be just one click away.
